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But it seems it is Forest who have won the race to sign the experienced Newcastle-born player, who has made 94 starts and eight sub appearances for the Magpies, scoring five goals, since joining them on a free transfer in June 2014.

He had previously made 109 starts and 27 sub appearances, scoring five goals, for Sunderland.

Jack Colback in action during the Championship match between Newcastle and Forest last season (Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Colback’s arrival may not be the only late twist at the City Ground, with a potential swap deal involving Ward and Tomlin also understood to be on the table.

Tomlin, 29, only signed for Cardiff last summer, in a £2.9m deal from Bristol City. But he has struggled to pin down a regular place in Neil Warnock’s side, starting only five Championship games.

He was a regular at Middlesbrough under Aitor Karanka however and the Reds boss could be attracted by the prospect of a reunion with the Leicester born player.